Noise pollution can be described as unwanted sound that unfairly intrudes into our daily activities. There are many sources of noise pollution, most of which are associated with urban development; road, rail and air transport; industrial noise; neighbourhood and recreational noise. In 1994, the Minister for the Environment addressed the problem of noise pollution by making regulations under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, 1992, whereby any individual person, or a local authority, may complain to a District Court seeking an Order to deal with the noise nuisance i.e. noise so loud, so continuous, so repeated, of such pitch or duration or occurring at such times that it gives a person reasonable cause for annoyance.

Noise Action Plan 2024-2028

The County Westmeath Noise Action Plan has been prepared as required by the European Communities Environmental Noise Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 549/2018 as amended). This Noise Action Plan is aimed at strategic long term management of environmental noise within County Westmeath.

Environmental noise is unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities including noise emitted by means of transport, primarily noise emitted by road traffic. The Noise Action Plan primarily addresses environmental noise from major roads in County Westmeath with more than 3 million vehicle journeys per year and excludes noise caused from domestic activities, neighbours, workplaces and the military.

This plan is prepared by Westmeath County Council for major roads within their functional area. The actions detailed in this plan have been drawn up to assess noise exposure in priority areas, as indicated by strategic noise mapping.

This Action Plan gives an overview of the main requirements of the Environmental Noise Regulations 2018 and the authorities responsible. The methods used in production of strategic noise maps are outlined and summary results are presented. These results are analysed and several recommendations are made as to the best way to limit population exposure to environmental noise pollution.

This plan may be reviewed annually, and a new Noise Action Plan is revised every 5 years as per the END Directive and Regulations.

Click below to see the Westmeath Co Co Noise Action Plan 2024-2028:

• Westmeath County Council Noise Action Plan 2024-2028

Related Documents

• Noise Action Plan - Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Report ‌
• Noise Action Plan - Appropriate Assessment Screening Report